ASEAN was the most important element that was responsible for maintaining and promoting peace, security and cooperation for development in the region, particularly in economics and trade, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said on August 7 in his opening speech at a Hanoi ceremony to mark the 43rd founding anniversary of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 15th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to the group.
He stressed that ASEAN had become an indispensable partner to major countries and centers around the world with its strategic geographical position and open policies as well.
To further enhance regional cooperation in the future, ASEAN needs to continue to maintain regional peace and security, while properly dealing with latent risks, the Prime Minister added.
The effective implementation of existing agreements was crucial to the future success of the organization, Dung said, proposing that relevant countries commit to liberalizing their markets and continue to remove protectionist barriers that would impede the region’s economic integration.
As a proactive, positive and responsible member of ASEAN, the Government leader said, Vietnam would spare no effort to successfully build the ASEAN Community by 2015 and be dedicated to the group’s goal: “Toward the ASEAN Community: from Vision to Action.”
“Vietnam will continue to join hands with other ASEAN members and partners to strive for an ASEAN Community that promotes unity, integrity and prosperity, for a Southeast Asia and an East Asia of peace, stability, cooperation and development,” he pledged.-